The game Poker, played with cards or tiles, goes back centuries in several different forms. The modern casino version, popular in variations like Texas Hold ’em, is thought to originate in a French game called Poque or a German game called Pochspiel. Both names are based on a root word meaning “bluff”, which is an integral part of Poker.
That’s why live streaming that allows Poker players to compete against each other at mobile and online casinos is becoming so popular: it allows bluffing and betting just like a real-world casino. Ironically, though, a Poker variation that attracts many punters in online casinos is Video Poker, in which there are no opponents or bluffing at all.
In Video Poker, the player is dealt a five-card hand onscreen and chooses which cards to hold and which to discard. After the discard and draw, if the new hand contains a winning Poker combination, the player is paid out according to set amounts on a pay table. Multihand Video Poker takes things to a whole new level.
What Is Multihand Video Poker?
Multihand Video Poker allows you to bet on 5, 10, 50 or even 100 hands at once. After you’ve selected the bet level and placed the bet, hit Deal and a base hand of five cards is dealt face-up at the bottom of the screen. The remaining hands appear face-down above the base hand.
After you select which cards to hold, the held cards are replicated face-up in the same position in all remaining hands. When you draw, all remaining cards are replaced with new random selections, all face-up. All the hands are assessed, and those containing a pair of Jacks or better are paid out according to the pay table.
How To Budget Betting
There is no competitive betting in Video Poker, so you can budget your bankroll knowing that you will be risking the same amount on every hand. Bets per hand can be set from 1 to 5 credits, with the returns on each winning combo increasing as more credits are played. The payouts for a royal flush increase significantly if you bet the maximum 5 credits, worth 16 times the same win if you’re only betting 1 credit. It’s therefore advisable to play 5 credits every time.
Remember also that in Multiplayer Video Poker you’re betting the same amount on every hand played; 100 hands will cost you 500 credits per deal, if you’re chasing the biggest wins. If your budget is tight, pick a game that uses low-denomination credits.
Read Up On Strategy
Success at Multihand Video Poker depends on understanding Poker odds and knowing which cards to hold onto, so learn the relevant maths. Low or medium pairs generally offer, at best, a three-of-a-kind payout after the draw; drawing a full house or four-of-a-kind is much rarer.
You’ll do much better in the long run if you ignore low pairs and learn to hang onto any potential straights, flushes or straight flushes. If that’s not a strong option and you have Kings or Aces, your best bet is to hold them.